What to wear to Ballet Class? (For Men)

What should you actually wear to ballet class as a male ballet dancer? In this video, Julie goes through all the clothes you might need as a male ballerina when moving into your first ballet class. She will also cover your options around ballet slippers, socks, pants, shirts, and more while also sharing her experience of being a professional ballet instructor in helping you decide your outfit. She will also address some of the common concerns that you might be worried about.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome!
0:53 - Ballet Slippers
2:16 - Socks
2:59 - Tights/Shorts/Sweats
5:40 - Waist belt or suspenders
6:14 - Colors
7:56 - Important! Dance belt
8:28 - T-shirt or top
10:22 - Hand towel
10:45 - Leotard / Unitard
12:03 - See you soon!

[@adriankovac8558]

I want to do ballet almost entirely just so I can wear tights

[@user-tl7vu2ew1c]

Yes. my instructor tells me guys need both leotard and tights

[@RoninGray]

great video thanks for breaking down the details.

[@anthonyaguilar3949]

Convertible tights are also very nice for when your foot is bleeding or blistering so you can get to your foot without taking the whole tights off:)

[@ericayates906]

I ask my hubby to help me with my stretching exercises. He had to stop to “adjust” while we were working out. It was annoying. I bought him a dance belt and a unitard. I ask if he liked them, he said YES. We’ve been taking a seniors class for two years.

[@santhiyag1650]

Very very helpful for beginners. Thank you.

[@BrocheBallet]

You're very welcome! Have a great time in class!

[@jennifermanship2584]

My husband wears running tights. Tights are worn by cyclists and other sports. Men should not be worried about wearing tights. I've never heard of any woman complaining about male ballet dancers wearing tights, in fact quite the opposite.

[@BrocheBallet]

Absolutely!!! Yes, thank you so much for your support and encouragement!

[@sissyboi2492]

I agree. I wear tights in my ballet class.. Absloutley no issues with it and none of the women in my class don't have a problem with it.

[@NickiesAdventureChannel]

I’ve had issues wearing running tights at gym …. It’s set me back Ballet is something I’ve always wanted to do. This channel has helped me so much build confidence

[@georgie1246]

I wear my wifes opaque tights under my pants on cold days and she likes me to remove my pants and just sit in my tights and a T shirt when I get home from a walk, I do find them comfortable anything from 40 denier upwards she does like to see guys in tights.

[@gregj831]

I used to play football and to me, ballet tights are little more than football pants without the pads. They are super supportive, feel great and like Julie mentioned "they allow the instructor to see what is really going on with leg positioning."

[@dennislandmesser]

Super presentation, classy and to the point. I was fortunate to begin Ballet in a small studio with a teacher who was a professional dancer. I was the only male and I had no other male dances in my life so she spent time with be before class began. She taught me what to wear, where to purchase and how it was supposed to look on a man. Feel free to reach out if I can help with details on anything. Form--fitting takes time to get right. It's trial and error but don't throw stuff away. Your body is going to change quickly, it's likely to fit great later. Take time getting dressed for class. You will look good, feel good and you won't need to make adjustments during the lessons. Same thing after class, if you just pull everything off and let it roll up in a ball, it won't last long. Also, hand wash in lukewarm water, drip dry. For sizing, go one size bigger. Custom sizes cost a little more and you have to wait but if your clothes make you raw and irritated you won't be able to move. MStevens and OnStage in NYC will make anything you want. CALL on the phone and do not order online. There's tons more to say, just let me know.

[@BrocheBallet]

Great tips, Dennis. Thank you so much for all of your tips during the creation of this video! :)

[@sissyboi2492]

@@BrocheBallet my teacher is very open minded in regards to dance wear.

[@NickiesAdventureChannel]

@@sissyboi2492 are you in uk ?

[@MrFriendlyJoe]

Thanks for thinking of us guys who dance! I'm a 50+ and have been going to ballet classes for five years. Wearing a white T-shirt (untucked) black leggings (as close as I'll get to tights), black slippers, and a belt, makes me feel like a ballet dancer. To keep it modest and a little more masculine, I wear black shorts and short black socks (that make the crossed elastics on the slippers less noticable).

[@BrocheBallet]

Thanks for chiming in! Sounds like you've settled on a great comfortable yet modest ballet look overall. Enjoy!

[@Xesxs]

Nucle, I started belly dance at age 50. I'm a professional dancer. I took some more classes in Ballet and wrote some ballet and music for ballet! Subscribe to my channel! Robin

[@jerryromero356]

I don't have any tips. But just wanted to say thank you Julie. I started ballet a couple of months ago and about 90% of my online learning is from your channel. There is so much content and more importantly it is explained very well. Thanks again.

[@BrocheBallet]

That's awesome, Jerry! I'm so glad to hear that I've been able to help you along your way in ballet! :)

[@jerryromero356]

@@BrocheBallet Thanks. Feedback so far: As someone with zero dance history, I primarily watch your videos for beginner friendly instructions. You get straight to the point. Other channels may be easy "Follow Along" videos but you break yours down as we go. Which include theory and different camera angle (sometimes). You even break down sections into sub-sections when explaining. Something your channel does better then most, I believe. For an adult getting into ballet, yours is the best channel so far.

[@NickiesAdventureChannel]

Wonderful and informative. Thank you so much. Hope you have a fab weekend

[@BrocheBallet]

Thank you! You too! Happy dancing :)

[@NickiesAdventureChannel]

@@BrocheBallet I have just went into a ballet shop in London and I was humiliated and laughed at ….. if you can give me any advice as a man …. I was laughed at as a kid for wanting to dance . Now I am ridiculed for wanting to buy a ballet uniform. Please can you help. I’m honestly emotionally at the end

[@rwlddance7056]

Great piece! You didn’t mention warmups, but of course those are a good idea for men as well - even if just a sweatshirt and sweatpants over tights, etc., but many warmup offerings from dancewear stores are are unisex, unlike most other types of dancewear.

[@BrocheBallet]

Great tips!! Thank you! :D

[@uchidaoginome]

It took a while for me to wear color to class. I wasn't shy about my body but I'm the only man in my class and I'm taller and broader than everyone else. I'm also the least experienced by a mile! I definitely wanted to keep eyes off me in the beginning! It's been about 3 years and now I feel like I fit in so I wear colorful tank tops and form fitting shorts in class. Judo is actually my main sport (it's why I started ballet in the first place) and Since Judo and jiu-jitsu are very similar, a lot of us wear these short ju-jitsu tights under our judogis. They're very comfortable and are designed to compress your bits so everything stays put and they'll fit easily under your gym shorts. For shirts, I usually go one-color but I sometimes rock ones with modest graphics. The Nintendo or Star Wars logo. I have tees with pics of Jimi Hendrix, Tupac, 2001 A Space Odyssey, etc but they're still solid color shirts with the graphic on the front chest. Not too much. If I only ever wore flat grey t-shirts and black Nike gym shorts I might come off as a little boring not only to everyone else but to myself. It's good to have a touch of style in whatever you do. Just a little. Keeps things interesting. As you get better, though, become more comfortable with tights! I did tights only for my private lessons at first but as I became less insecure about, say, walking out to the water fountain to fill up my bottle in front of everyone, I started wearing them to regular class too but it's a big leap and not an easy one. Wear what you're comfortable in but don't be afraid of a little color.

[@fredmaas890]

thanks for your explanagtion!

[@BrocheBallet]

You're welcome! Happy dancing :)

[@laurenmeyers3301]

Great video! I am so excited that we are getting more male dancers in the studio! Love to see their passion!

[@BrocheBallet]

Woohoo!! :D

[@sissyboi2492]

@@BrocheBallet I love ballet and I'm a guy.

[@BrocheBallet]

@@sissyboi2492 Awesome! Ballet is a lot of fun!

[@sissyboi2492]

@@BrocheBallet yes it is.. Can I say something else.. And it's about how open minded my teacher is.

[@sissyboi2492]

@@BrocheBallet definitely need more guys in ballet.

[@user-qg7dz4yp7x]

I absolutely love wearing Tights in ballet class the female ballerinas don’t mind one bit I have even worn pink Tights with black leotard I absolutely love your channel sincerely love Richard ❤

[@GlennZucman]

Thank you so much!

[@jeantetreault132]

Beautiful presentation! As a 54 years old man myself, ive always been a little bit too self conscious, about wearing extensive clothing, such as putting on a pair of tights or nylons, for instance, but ive always fantasized, about the idea of being part of a ballet dance class group and just emancipate myself, by indulging into it hopefully someday...! Lol thank you so much, for this informative review. Johnny, Montreal, Canada.

[@BrocheBallet]

Hope you find your way to the ballet studio one day! Enjoy!

[@Dane_Youssef]

Thanks. I was wondering. I used to just wear the standard “uniform”-a white T-shirt, black tights and black slippers.

[@whoahdudeman]

Thank you for this video, very helpful. Any chance you could speak to the question of (form-fitting) shorts vs. tights? Are shorts a "bridge too far" in terms of a traditional ballet outfit, or do they fit within the envelope of traditionally acceptable ballet attire for men? Or does it depend?.....

[@solutionsforabrightfuture3579]

When I start ballet classes I checked and there is one other male on the class. I am pretty sure I will stick out because of weight training. I want to try ballet for the jumps, agility, balance and it just looks fun. Also ballet shoes would be so easy to pivot your hips when doing kicks

[@ianturvey3894]

Very good presentation to help men. I’ve been attending adult ballet classes for five years now and I’m very comfortable wearing either unitards or leotard and tights. I was self conscious at first but it just feels natural to wear them. After all, it’s just exercise wear and everyone wears it in class!

[@BrocheBallet]

Thanks for chiming in!! I'm glad to hear that the ballet attire feels normal now. It's indeed just exercise wear, and everyone's wearing it!! Happy dancing :)

[@crazyrice82513]

Not sure where you are from but in United States, People judge men who wear tights of any kind. It is getting better but men who wear tights without shorts get name called or laughed at. Especially if you live in the southern states. Ballet isn't big here. I don't do ballet but I wear thermal/running tights everywhere and I just ignore the comments. They tights are just cozy and beneficial. I believe more men should wear them so they are more normal to others. If not then I will just continue to be comfortable.

[@ianturvey3894]

@@crazyrice82513 Hi Kevin. I live in the UK. There is a similar mentality here too, mainly by ignorant types. Whenever I mention that I do ballet, I get a surprised reaction followed by a good for you response. There is still the belief that ballet is just something that girls do and that boys doing it are looked upon as being sissies. Again, it’s ignorance. I didn’t do ballet as a boy because of that very reason.

[@user-jc8cc4ch6w]

Who really cares about what anyone else thinks or says do whatever makes you feel happy and healthy

[@vincentgirardin492]

Love pointe shoes and pantyhose 💓

[@bishalbashyal33]

Woohoo, Let's goo!

[@patrickwu3385]

great video. i wonder if i can just wear foot undies instead of ballet slippers?

[@animalio7018]

Is it okay to wear the same color and thickness tights as the ladies do in ballet? (I'm a man, starting ballet)

[@ian6506]

Is it ok to wear tights under leotard as tights roll down even with thin belt?

[@ronaldyeater3322]

Hi. Great video. I wear the footed tights, funny story, to save money I bought 120 denier tights and didn't notice until saw in mirror with everyone that they were more see through than thought lol.

[@georgie1246]

I did the same many years back to a medieval night my wife put me in a pair of her black opaque tights which were more see through than I thought you could see my toes and hairs on my legs through them and I won't go into the higher up bits lol.

[@ronaldyeater3322]

@@georgie1246 lol

[@jones1068]

I used to do ballet i used to wear shorts and black opaque tights about 60 denier.

[@BrocheBallet]

Awesome!

[@dudeistmonkmatthew9550]

I find gray tights to be a happy medium

[@BrocheBallet]

Good deal! Happy dancing :)

[@wizard1399]

So this might be a weird question, but here goes. If you have to wear compression socks for medical reasons, is it appropriate to get thigh only or compression shorts instead of tights?

[@coreywallace5953]

When I used to take ballet I would wear black tights and black leotards

[@LaHayeSaint]

A leotard and tights are good for both men and women for the reasons you gave. Do any of your men dance in a tutu?

[@user-gr3kf7kv1f]

I like lady’s leotard and tights cos so many variety more then mens one.

[@NickiesAdventureChannel]

If there’s anyone In London that has either second hand ballet kit too sell or an hour to go with a beginner to a store I am desperately looking for help / willing to pay

[@brigittastone-johnson7683]

This is great. One of my instructors wears board shorts. Over top. Men have body issues too. Be interesting to discuss this in contex of people who are non-binary, etc.

[@theobserver208]

As a guy I am a bit curious about this. I have wanted to take ballet for a few years now, but don't feel like going to a ballet studio. Could this be an option?

[@BrocheBallet]

Welcome to the channel! Absolutely, I work with lots of dancers online who aren't ready to go to the studio. Some eventually do find a local studio to join, and others keep going with me online. Check it out and I'd love to have you in class! -- brocheonline.com/

[@theobserver208]

@@BrocheBallet It is so nice dancing with you. And to have on leotard and tights, and experiment with different colors like you said! 😃

[@fangzhouzhao2489]

Can I wear white tights (maybe women’s footed white tights) to a ballet class? (For men)

[@user-tl7vu2ew1c]

capezio men's white tights and long sleeve black turtleneck leotard works for my teacher

[@uuid444]

@BrocheBallet I need help i normally wear belt for my ballet but my teacher has aksed to wear thongs panty..could you suggest which one i could wear so that it fits me..i am a male guy

[@thomas.halama3568]

You didn't mention your waist size, sizes are normally Small, Medium, Large

[@uuid444]

@@thomas.halama3568 i wear medium size panty...which one should i wear so that it is not narrow at the front and goes with tights..

[@brendoncorlett4176]

Do male dancers wear leotards for ballet? Starting class next year.

[@BrocheBallet]

Check out this section about leotards for men. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoiYg6CdZZqCaK8

[@andybeck7615]

I wear biketards, leotards, and spandex yoga shorts for my dance classes. I am 5'6".

[@MyKfactor]

Wanted to do ballet my whole life. Family would never have accepted it. Now that I'm older i have such regrets, but it is what it is 😢. South Africa is really balletphobic for men😢

[@rococoblue]

🤔 hmmm interesting.👍

[@VeronicaChia]

Why can't ballerinas wear normal pantyhose instead?

[@BrocheBallet]

Ballet tights are thicker and more opaque than regular hose. Especially men's tights which are more like leggings than like tights. They are fully opaque.

[@BodaciousWench]

I hope Danseur becomes more popular than male ballerina.

[@alee3146]

Danseur is not pronounced like ‘dance-sewers’ It sounds almost like ‘dancer’, where the vowel sound in dan- sounds approximately like the vowel sound in Don- in Donald, and vowel sound in cer sounds apprpximately like the Sar sound is Sarah. The strong accent is on cer, not on dan as it is in English, thus donSAR, sort of.

[@raynekimi2755]

Important note, ballerinas are females only, males are ballet dancers.

[@user-tl7vu2ew1c]

we want to fit in

[@raynekimi2755]

@@user-tl7vu2ew1c I am sure you do. Someone needs to lift the ballerinas.

[@devroombagchus7460]

I’m so happy to hear that there are vegan options for slippers. It should be advertised what slippers will be worn before I buy a ticket. As for tights, hiding a bulge means that you are a trans dressed up as a male. Why don’t female dansers hide their two bulges?

[@iainclark5964]

Actually I've heard that many dance schools now consider tights for men and boys unacceptable and they ask them to wear loose fitting shorts or trousers.

[@gregj831]

This video is a 'must watch' for men wishing to take a class. We had a guy show up for his very first class last night and he had no slippers on and my concern was that he might injure himself with his bare feet potentially sticking to the floor! Thankfully, he didn't.

[@BrocheBallet]

I'm glad to hear the new dancer in your class was ok. Bare feet can indeed be dangerous if the foot gets stuck on the floor. Here's to hoping more men will keep seeing this video and more importantly, joining in on the fun at the barre!